Puddle

Puddles of water can be found throughout Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova in Generations III, IV, and V. Prior to Generation V, no wild Pokémon can be found in puddles. Due to this, in Generations III and IV, puddles don't have any real use in the game overworld, and are mainly used for scenery; however, in Generation V, many wild Pokémon may be found in puddles. Puddles are well-known for appearing in the locations of Legendary Pokémon.

Differences between games

Generation III

Puddles on Route 120

Puddles were introduced in Ruby and Sapphire, where some areas, such as Route 120 and Route 121, are affected by the rain. When the player character walks or cycles through these puddles, the sound of splashing water can be heard. A reflection of objects north of each puddle can be seen in them.

Strangely-shaped pools of water appear in all three caverns below the three lakes of Sinnoh, where the player first encounters Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf, known collectively as the lake trio. What the shapes of the puddles mean, if they mean anything at all, is unknown.

Two circular, smaller puddles indicate where the other members of the trio are relative to the cavern, so that the two pools and the lake trio member make up a triangle, confirming each Pokémon's status as members of a group. However, battling Uxie and Azelf is considered battling in a cave rather than a puddle, despite both the player and the Pokémon standing in a puddle.

Stylized puddles also appear on both Fullmoon Island and Newmoon Island, the locations of Cresselia and Darkrai respectively. Cresselia is found at the center of a crescent moon-shaped pool, which is a brilliant, bright blue. Darkrai resides at the center of a dark, circular puddle, reminiscent of the new moon. However, battling Darkrai is considered battling in tall grass, despite both the player and Darkrai standing in a puddle.